AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Florence: ‘I’ve been doing some research. There was a marine accident investigation about twelve years ago into the sinking of a trawler. Angus Radford gave a statement about an engine fire. It could explain the scars on his face.’
‘What was the name of the boat?’
‘The Arianna II. It was registered to a William Radford from St Claire, in Scotland.’
‘Could be a relative.’
‘I’m trying to get more details.’
‘Any news on who paid for the barrister who’s representing Radford and Downing?’
‘Not yet, but I doubt if Lord David Buchan would publicly bankroll their defence. He has too much to lose if they’re convicted.’
‘OK. Let me know what you find.’
Evie is still talking to the boys, who are leaning against my Fiat. The older of the two begins slow dancing in front of her, showing off. He has bumfluff on his top lip and grease-stained jeans.
‘Where are yer heading?’ he asks.
‘Scotland,’ says Evie.
‘Ye’re in fookin’ Scotland,’ he laughs.
‘St Claire.’
He offers her a cigarette. Evie shakes her head.
‘We could take you as far as Aberdeen,’ says the younger one.
‘Yeah, come ride with us,’ says his mate.
I interrupt them. ‘Ready to go, Evie?’
‘Who’s this?’ asks the younger one.
‘My pervy old uncle,’ replies Evie, thinking it’s funny.
‘You should let Evie decide,’ says the older one.
‘I would, but she’s only fourteen.’
‘I am not!’ says Evie.
The young men have lost their boldness.
‘You could go to jail for what you’re thinking,’ I say.
‘He’s lying,’ says Evie. ‘I can prove it.’
She’s searching for her driver’s licence, which is locked inside the car. Already the boys are heading back to their truck.
‘That was mean,’ she sulks when I open the passenger door.
‘You were teasing them.’
‘I was teasing you.’
‘What’s the point of that?’
